How to set up PlayStation VR

Get the best start in life with PlayStation VR with our handy set up guide!

So you've picked up a shiny new PlayStation VR, and brought it home, excited about the possibilities of having a VR headset run on your PlayStation 4 console. Before you can put the headset on, and jump into your favorite game, you'll need to get everything set up. Everything that you need to get set up is sitting right inside that big blue box.

While Sony does include a fairly conclusive set of instructions in the box, there are some tips and tricks to ensure that your setup process is as simple and easy as possible.

Set aside a playspace

Before you think about plugging anything in you need to make sure you've got enough space to move around freely. PlayStation VR doesn't require the open space something like the HTC Vive does, but you also don't want to be pinned up against the TV or a desk. Most titles will make sure you're correctly positioned in front of the camera before you dive in, too, but try to make sure you have somewhere to put it where it's going to be head height if you're sitting down for a good base.

In most cases, you'll need about 6 feet of room in order to get proper tracking from the PlayStation camera. This means you need enough space to back up, move forward, or shift from side to side without running into anything or being in a high traffic area of your house. Getting the most out of your playspace can sound difficult, but if you take the time to set aside the room to play you'll win in the long run.

Step by step instructions to set up PlayStation VR

Once you've figured out where you want to play, and you've got your television and console properly hooked up, it's time to get started. If you picked up a bundle, then everything ought to be in the box, and there are instructions on what to do if you want to wing it. Of course you could just follow our step by step instructions to make sure that everything is properly hooked up without getting aggravated in the process.

Power off your PlayStation 4 completely. Don't leave it in rest mode.

Take the HDMI out of the back of the PlayStation 4 and put it into the HDMI TV port on the Playstation VR processor unit.

Make sure to connect your PlayStation Camera to the Aux port on the back of the console.

Take the HDMI cable labelled number 1 and plug this in to the HDMI PS4 port on the processor unit and the HDMI output on the PlayStation 4.

Grab the USB Cable labelled number 2 and plug in to one of the USB ports on the PlayStation 4 while connecting the other end to the processor unit.

Connect the power adapter to the processor unit.

Slide back the cover on the processor unit and plug in the VR headset cable labelled number 4.

The connectors will only go in their correct ports, but to make it easier they're labelled with the logos from the DualShock controller buttons. Just match them up.

Plug the PlayStation VR headset into the cable attached in steps 7 and 8.

Again, match up the symbols for ease.

Plug either the supplied earbuds or your own headphones into the inline remote.

Power everything on!

At first power up you'll be taken through some basic setup steps inside the headset and you'll almost certainly have a software update to apply. Your console should be up to date so long as you accept updates when they're available, but the headset will need one out of the box. You'll be prompted on what to do, so just follow what you see on screen!

PlayStation VR set up tips

So far we've covered the basics on how to get set up. But here are a few tips and tricks you won't find in the official guides that should help you get a leg up.

Make sure you don't point the PlayStation Camera at a light source, LED monitor or a window. Both could interfere with tracking the lights on the headset which in turn will have an effect on your experience. The darker your playspace, the better your tracking is going to be.

There are a lot of cables with PlayStation VR. There's no easy way to suggest keeping them all in control, but since the headset cable is going to be on the left hand side of your head, if you can, maybe have the processor unit to your left, too. This way you're not wrapping yourself in cord.

Charge all the things! As silly as it sounds, make sure you've charged your Move controllers and your DualShock 4 before you go inside PlayStation VR. Nothing sucks more than taking off the headset to charge a controller!

Above make sure you're comfortable before you get underway. VR is a completely new experience compared to anything else you've experienced on your PlayStation before and it might take some getting used to.

If you've got any setup tips and tricks to share be sure to hit the comments or jump into the PlayStation VR forums!

Reader comments

How to set up PlayStation VR

So how soon after opening the box can we expect it to take before we can start playing. assuming we dont have to take any special steps like having to install a new source for power cuz our 10 power strips behind the tv are all full.